Konica Z-up28W Camera Review

This review continues on the theme of inexpensive but good quality film cameras. The Konica Z-up28W is interesting because not many point and shoot zooms start at a wide angle of 28mm. It zooms to only what would be considered a normal focal length of 56mm.

For me, this is a very useful range. I tested this with a roll of Kodak Portra 400. I got consistently good exposures and sharpness. When shooting SLR's, I often want 28mm or wider, so the wide angle was very welcome on a point and shoot. 

I was not able to find a manual. Here are the few specs that I could gather.

• Zoom: 28-56mm
• Aperture: f3.5 – f6.6
• ISO range: 50-3200
• Original list: $369.00 (shocking, isn't it?)
• Current cost: I couldn't find any for sale online at this time. I got the one for this review for about $5.

Unusual features:

• 28mm wide angle
• Quick snap function. Apparently for quick shots with limited depth of field, 3 to 12 feet. I did not test this.
• 1 button zoom
• Zoom scale on top of lens barrel.

Things I liked:

• 1 button for zoom, located right behind the shutter button. Goes out, then comes back. This would be a pain if the camera had one of those crazy long zoom ranges, but for 28 to 56, it's no problem and is actually quite handy in operation. 
• Infinity lock. For shooting through windows for example.
• Macro setting.
• Quiet shutter
• Easy to turn off flash
• Lens seems good and sharp.

Things I liked less:

• 2cr5 battery. Not hard to get, but a little expensive, and if you are using the camera a lot, you will want
• to carry an extra. Not really a big deal.
• A bit big, won't fit in a shirt pocket, but it has a nice ergonomic feel. I usually prefer a smaller camera,
• however the larger size can make it easier to hold steady, and it has neck strap.

Conclusion: An excellent flexible camera with good quality and useful features. This is would be a good camera for casual events, a bit of street shooting, or just all around use.